But my certificate and most recent familly ones say - "A certificate is not evidence of Identity" in bold at the bottom. Now I know it hasnt been there long because yesterday I looked at my grandaddies (Born 1914) and it doesn't say antthing like that on there. (or my Mums born 1940's) It does still say ''Certified to be a true copy of a register in my custody'' also the ACT grandads applies to is the B&D 1857 ( obviously) Also the new ones are copyrighted, the older one are much more regal looking, more of a BOND look about them.

But the question is when did the certificate's status changed to not being proof of identity?

It's a laugh though because when you want a passport ( which is a definate evidence of supposed 'identity',) you have to produce the Birth Certificate!!, just goes to show doesn't it - smoke and mirrors man smoke and mirrors.

What a look you get when someone asks you to produce ID, you produce the cert, let them ID you, then point out the line at the bottom --- see their face

I'd love to see an early certificate from like 1860 ish, I'll ask around the familly.

I have submitted just now a FOI request to the GRO Entitled: Request for information and Clarification.

along the lines.

1. When did the line "A certificate is not evidence of Identity." first appear on the certificate of birth?2. Was the certificate of birth ever evidence of Identity?3. Do I have any Lawful right to see the entry in the register that relates to my own birth?

......

I will post responses

oh crap - what is actually says is "certificate is not proof of identity" so depending on the reply I may have to resend later -

Reply received from GRO, OK the 1993 part I didnt know so thanks for that.Was it ever ID? Not answeredDo Ihave the lawful right to see the register? Not answered

or am I missing something?................................................................................

Dear Sir/Madam

Thank you for your enquiry.

A birth certificate is not, evidence of identity and certificates printedsince 1993 contain a warning to this effect. All Government departments areaware of this and, although a birth certificate may be used as part ofverification procedures, a certificate will not be accepted as soleevidence of identity.

The General Register Office works closely with government departments whouse certificates to help them in tackling the fraudulent use ofcertificates.

The current system of registration is covered by legislation dating back to1837. This legislation allows individuals, if they are able to providesufficient information to identify a register entry, to obtain a certifiedcopy of any birth death or marriage entry .

Thank you for your reply to my query entitled : General request for information and clarification

made under the Freedom of Information Act.

I am honored that you have personally given time to the query and as such I value your correspondence.

I now comprehend that A birth certificate is not, evidence of identity and certificates printedsince 1993 contain a warning to this effect.

I also support your efforts to combat fraudulent use of certificates.

What has not been clarified in your correspondence ( I believe I did ask) is:

a) Was a certificate 'ever' considered evidence of Identity prior to 1993 and who (as in which government body or agent of Her Majesty) declared that a certificate (since 1993) is not evidence of Identity? i.e was it a statutory act, a bylaw, a select committee etc..etc...

b) I comprehend The current system of registration is covered by legislation dating back to 1837. Is it a Lawful request if I ask to see the actual register that contains the entry relating to myself? - i.e If I ask to see the actual register - is that a Lawful request to which the GRO must comply under the Freedom of Information act OR any other act OR it is explicitly unlawful or even illegal for me to make such as request. (i.e do I have a lawful right to see the actual register)

Please do let me know if these questions should be addressed to an agency other than the GRO Contact Centre.

i think its to do with the based on a true story thing with night of the jackal where a guy chooses a dead people from grave yards get their b cert and creates a new identity from it thats why they put that disclaimer on becuase people were copying others identities usually the dead from birth whom would be close to the same age.the guy who was doing it was an assassin or spy or something.but apparently the home office isnt to worried because only about 0.5% have done this in the uk or that they know of